First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh ready to compete again, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the competing circuit but needs more time for family. This was agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, a competitive type who thrives in high-level contests, found less motivation in LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career and to secure a good retirement fund. His skipping of the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about whether he had to buy out or refund part of his guaranteed salary. It is also unclear if the 35-year-old remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as new captain.
Speculation is high regarding which fairways Koepka will appear on next: the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible, possibly with a penalty? Or the PGA Tour, where a one-year suspension has been serving since his last LIV event after former Commissioner Jay Monahan softened previously lifetime bans? This critical question seems partly answered. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not extended after 2022, and to be reinstated in the players’ circle.
Any suspension would expire in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship August 27-30. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, when the PGA Tour introduces its new schedule condensed into about two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited elite fields. An ideal time for a comeback, perfectly suited to Koepka’s style. PGA Tour Enterprises investors, likely to back the new top league, would certainly welcome such a marketable name.
“He might take some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour,” said Jon Rahm recently on the podcast ”
, “Subpar”. “He’ll probably at least play the minimum, I’d say, and why not the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he then qualifies for or gets into high-profile events, he would play those too.” Perhaps the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee might overlook suspension details for a five-time major champion, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to reinstate Koepka.
Update: That’s exactly what happened. On Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is reinstated on the PGA Tour with immediate effect and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WGC Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This became possible through the newly created ”
:
“Returning Member Program” that allows